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Installers carrying a quartz countertop slab into a new kitchen

Quartz, granite and marble

Kitchen countertops in Portland that suit how you cook

Compare quartz, granite and marble for wear, upkeep and look, then get them measured, cut and fitted to your cabinets.

  • Quartz, granite and marble compared plainly
  • Templated after cabinets are set
  • Sink, cooktop and seam layout planned ahead

Step 1 of 3

What is the project?

Which kitchen countertop material is right for me?

Kitchen countertops Portland homeowners choose most often are quartz, granite and marble. Each has a real difference in upkeep.

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone made from ground quartz and resin. It is non-porous, so it does not need sealing, and it comes in consistent colors and patterns. It can be damaged by high heat, so use trivets under hot pans.

Granite

Granite is natural stone, and every slab is different. It handles heat well and lasts for decades. Most granite needs sealing every so often to resist stains.

Marble

Marble has a classic look and stays cool for baking. It is softer than granite and quartz. Acids such as lemon juice, wine and tomato can leave dull spots called etching, so it suits people who accept a lived-in finish.

What do Portland kitchens ask of a countertop?

Many local kitchens are in craftsman and mid-century homes where the counters see steady use, from canning in late summer to baking all through the rainy season. The wet climate matters mostly around the sink. Water that sits at an undermount seam can work its way into the cabinet below, so careful sealing and support at the sink opening matter.

Older kitchens often have walls and cabinets that are slightly out of level. A good fabricator measures the finished cabinets, then cuts the stone to the real shape of the room. This is why the template is taken after the cabinets are set. If you are replacing both, read about our cabinet installation before you pick a stone, since the counter overhang and seam locations follow the cabinet plan.

What changes the price of countertops?

We do not give prices without a measured plan, but these things move the total:

  • The material and the specific slab, since patterns and rarity vary widely.
  • The square footage and how many slabs the layout needs.
  • Edge profiles, such as a plain eased edge versus a built-up edge.
  • Cutouts for the sink, cooktop and faucet.
  • Seams and waste from matching the pattern.
  • Removal of old counters and disconnecting plumbing.
  • A full-height stone backsplash, if you want one.

Remember that the counters are one piece of a bigger budget. Our full kitchen remodel page explains how the pieces connect and what the typical order of work looks like.

The process has a few steps with waiting time in between. First you choose a slab and confirm the layout. After the base cabinets are installed and level, the fabricator takes a template of the room. Cutting and finishing the stone in the shop then takes some days to a couple of weeks, depending on the shop's schedule and the material. Installation day itself usually takes a few hours to a day.

Because of that gap, you may be without counters for a short time during a remodel. Plan for a temporary setup, and ask your contractor how long the gap is likely to be. Never order until the cabinet plan and the appliance sizes are final.

What should I expect on install day, and when should I call?

On install day, the crew will protect the floor and carry the pieces in. They will dry-fit each slab, check the seams, set the sink and apply adhesive and silicone. Seams will be visible, though a good fabricator places them where they draw the least attention. Heavy pieces take several people, so clear the path to the kitchen.

Call before you buy a sink or cooktop, because the fabricator needs their exact specifications. Call early if your current counters are cracked, lifting or leaking at the sink, as hidden water damage should be fixed first. Planning an island too? See our page on islands and open layouts.

How it works

Tell us your plan

Scope, budget band and timing.

Design and proposal

A design and a fixed price.

Build

A schedule you can hold us to.

Free consultation
Fixed-price proposals
Clear communication
Design help

Request countertops

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

No obligation.

Step 1 of 3

What is the project?

Questions about kitchen remodeling in Portland

Is quartz or granite better for a Portland kitchen?

Neither is better for everyone. Quartz needs no sealing and has a consistent pattern, while granite handles heat well and has natural variation. Both last for many years. Think about how you cook, how much upkeep you want and which look you prefer, then compare real samples in your own kitchen light.

Does marble stain easily?

Marble is softer and more porous than quartz or granite. Acids can etch it and strong colors can stain it. Sealing helps but does not make it immune. If you love the look of marble, accept that it will develop a patina, or consider using it on a baking area or island instead of the whole kitchen.

Can countertops be installed before the backsplash?

Yes, and that is the normal order. Counters go in first, then the backsplash tile is set above them so the edge is tight. Stone or tile backsplashes are typically measured after the counters are fixed. Ask your contractor for the sequence so the schedule includes both.

How do I care for my new countertops?

Wipe up spills, use a mild soap and water for daily cleaning, use trivets for hot pans and cutting boards for knives. Granite and marble may need periodic sealing. Ask the fabricator for written care instructions for your exact material, as each product has different advice.

How long can I be without a countertop during the remodel?

The gap runs from the template to the install, and the length depends on the fabricator's schedule and the material. Ask for a likely range in writing. A temporary sink and prep area, or a temporary plywood top, can help you get through that period.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

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